Tennessee turns back American in Birmingham opener

Tennessee survived the opener of Birmingham's bracket today, holding off American 72-57 to avoid a monumental upset in the NCAA Tournament.

Fifteenth-seeded American, making its first tournament appearance in its 41-year history, trailed by only two points with five minutes remaining. Tennessee scored 11 of the next 13 points, including seven by forward Wayne Chism.

JaJuan Smith led No. 2 seed Tennessee with 19 points. Vols star Chris Lofton was held to five points on 1-of-7 shooting and didn't make a 3-pointer.

American's Garrison Carr scored 26 points and made six 3-pointers. The Eagles outrebounded the taller Volunteers 39-27, but Tennessee advanced to play the Butler-South Alabama winner on Saturday.